Plains Indians Winter Count

Students will tell important events from their life using a Winter Counts calendar. They will use the given symbols from their calendar to play Conway's Game of Life. They will see how their symbols change as the pixels change.

Author: Amber E Johnson

Subjects: Computer Science, Social Studies

Grade Level: 3-5

CS Domain: Algorithms and Programming

CS Principles: Recognizing and Defining Computational Problems, Developing and Using Abstractions

Standards: Students will research tribal life and cultures to build a basic understanding of Native American Tribes of Wyoming, and explain the importance of bison.

Materials: Website

Tag: Project-Based

OVERVIEW

Activity Overview:

Students will tell important events from their life using a Winter Counts calendar. They will use the given symbols from their calendar to play Conway’s Game of Life. They will see how their symbols change as the pixels change.

Meta description

Subject Area: Computer Science, Social Studies
Grade Level : 3-5
Computer Science Domains:
- Algorithms and Programming
Computer Science Principles:
- Recognizing and Defining Computational Problems, Developing and Using Abstractions
Materials:
- Website
Considerations:
- You will need to be familiar with Conway’s Game of Life.

Lesson Plan

Overview

ASSESSMENT PRE/POST-TEST

How do your symbols change as the pixels move on the screen?

OBJECTIVES

Students will be able to see patterns as the pixels change in the Game of Life.

CATCH/HOOK

Imagine telling your life story through symbols on a calendar.

ACTIVITY INSTRUCTIONS

Students will be given symbols that stand for particular items. They will choose one important event from each year of their life. First, they will make a draft by drawing on a piece of paper. Next, they will paint their calendar on a paper bag to resemble a hide painting. Finally, they will choose symbols from their calendar to play Conway’s Game of Life.

Supplements

Any items in this section are the property & under the license of their respective owners.

REVIEW

Were you able to tell your story on your calendar? Were you able to figure out the patterns created on playgameoflife.com?

STANDARDS

Type	Listing
CS Domains	Algorithms and Programming
CS Principles	Recognizing and Defining Computational Problems, Developing and Using Abstractions
Other Content Standards	Students will research tribal life and cultures to build a basic understanding of Native American Tribes of Wyoming, and explain the importance of bison.